Top tips to make your home bushfire safe

With summer fast approaching and the threat of bushfires intensifying, there’s no time like the present to implement some simple yet highly effective life-saving precautions.

According to Inspector Ben Shepherd from Rural Fire Service NSW, an easy first step is to reduce the amount of potential fuel surrounding or over-hanging your house.

“Trim any overhead branches hanging over your roof, because that’s what tends to drop flammable leaves on your roof,” he says. “Also ensure that the grass around your home is well mowed and well maintained. That’ll create a cleared area that will not only help you during a fire event, but will also help fire fighters to protect your home as it gives them a clear area to work from. Although it’ll depend on your property, try and go for at least a few metres around the entire house. That’ll give you the best chance of surviving a fire event.”

With more homes lost through ember attack than through actual main fire fronts, removing flammable material from around your house (such as winter woodpiles or garden bed bark chips placed right up against the side of your house) is also important.

“Of course, also make sure you clear leaves and debris from your gutters, because we know that’s where many homes are susceptible to fire,” says Inspector Shepherd. “And make sure you have a hose that reaches the whole way around your home. This will enable you to access any part of it that might be on fire. But most importantly, discuss in advance what you’re going to do in the event of a fire threat. Prepare that bushfire survival plan early, so you know what you and your family will do.”

Importantly, bush fire preparation can also extend to actual home design and construction. Justin Leonard, research leader for Bushfire Urban Design at CSIRO, says eliminating burning ember access is a key area demanding serious attention.

Clear leaves and debris from your gutters, including on the roof. Photo: Stocksy

“While a slab-on-ground construction is the best for eliminating the possibility of embers igniting under a house, a similar effect can be achieved by fully enclosing or cladding the sub-floor or underside of your house,” he explains.

“Fully enclosing it means there’s no opportunity for embers to start a fire under the house by igniting combustible bearers, exposed timber or particle board floorboards.”

Leonard says that gap management is also critical when it comes to denying access to burning embers.

“Any gap in your house that’s larger than two-millimetres is an entry point for embers to get into your living spaces or cavities within the house where they can find other fuels that have built up and start to burn the house from within,” he says. “These could be gaps around windows or doors, gaps between roof tiles, or gaps where metal roof sheets end or start. The place where your roof meets your eaves is another really obvious one because you can often get your hand in there. Any such gaps have to be eliminated.”

Leonard says one option is to replace a tiled roof with a sheet metal alternative.

“If you do opt for sheet metal, how you finish it at the gutter and ridge lines is critical,” he says. “If you do it correctly, you can certainly achieve an ember-proof roof cavity that will contribute to your home’s resistance to ember attack.”

Eliminating readily burnable surfaces from the exterior of your home is also advisable.

“Something like rough-sawn western red cedar cladding is one of those ideal things that embers can directly adhere to and start to burn,” says Leonard. “Going for a non-combustible external cladding is a far better option.”

Shannon was super-easy to work with. She gave me great advice about showing my house. She was always available for my calls or texts. Great experience.
Shannon Wilson is a Realtor Partner with Barry & Diane Evans | Evans & Friends

Vicki

“Outstanding services! Friendly not pushy to sell, took time to answer all my concerns, gracious, competent, made buying a home smooth and pleasurable professional with integrity.”

Joel Afman

We met with several different realty groups and could tell immediately that Shannon was a step above the rest – she was informative, very responsive, resourceful and a true professional. Shannon came up with creative staging ideas and even pitched into help. She was a true team player and really guided us through his process. I already referred her to my neighbor and they just closed on their deal.
Shannon Wilson is Partner with Barry Evans | Evan & Friends

Chamise

We cannot imagine going through this process without the guidance of Collin, Barry & Diane. Their instincts about the market are spot on and their results speak for themselves. Thank you for helping us buy and sell our homes.

Brian and Emily

This is the fourth time we have worked with the Evans Group in buying or selling a home. When we first moved to Chattanooga in 2008 without any contacts in the area, we somewhat blindly selected the Evans Group. I feel very fortunate to have found them, as they have been nothing but professional, kind and pleasant to work with. We’ve always had a great experience and I would recommend them to anyone without reservation.
Barry & Diane Evans | Evans & Friends

David

The Barry & Diane Evans Team – Top Notch – They were very easy to work with and very responsive and offered excellent advice. They made selling property (while we live in another state) very easy!

Judy and Mark

Buying & selling a home can be a stressful & unpleasant experience but THANKS to the Evans Team that was not the case for us! Everyone went above & beyond to make our experience smooth & pleasant. We will definitely recommend you to everyone we know. Thanks again for all your hard work! 🙂

Anson and Meridith

Lori was so considerate of our time frame. We had only a few weekends to find and buy a house and they rearranged their schedules to help us. It paid off because we are very happy with our new home and neighborhood. Thanks!!
Lori Dodd is a Realtor Partner for Barry & Diane Evans | The Evans Group

John and Katie

We can not imagine going through this process without the guidance of Collin, Barry & Diane. Their instincts about the market are spot on and their results speak for themselves. Thank you for helping us buy and sell our homes.
Collin Rogers is Partner with Barry Evans | The Evans Group